Protein Hot Chocolate
Protein hot chocolate is a great option for pre and post-op bariatric surgery patients. The warmth is soothing while getting in additional protein and can satisfy sweet cravings.
The key to a good protein hot chocolate is the type of protein you use and not using water or milk over 140F.
For years I’ve utilized the protein cocoa packets you can buy online like this…(click blue text for link).
I’ve always LOVED the Creamy Hot Cocoa and I’ve used it for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night sweet treat in the cooler months.
A protein hot chocolate is typically suitable on the pre and post-surgical diets for bariatric patients but always be sure to double-check with your personal program.
Sometimes, however, you don’t happen to have that envelope of Creamy Hot Cocoa with 15 grams of protein!
This is the variation I’ve played with through the years when I didn’t have the yummy packages on hand. I still love the packaged kind because of 1) convenience and 2) they come in different flavors.
Note: I used Quest Chocolate Protein powder for my hot cocoa and it was creamy and delicious. It did, however, need to be stirred up frequently while drinking to keep it smooth as it tends to clump up if it’s been sitting.
You could use a milk frother or an immersion blender to help make your cocoa more smooth.
Another great product is Unjury Whey Protein or Quest Whey Protein.
For more information on the bariatric surgery diet, find out how you can work with me!
Check out more high-protein recipes right here in my recipe library for patients who have had bariatric surgery or using Anti-Obesity Medications.
ANOTHER Note: This Creamy Hot Cocoa recipe is for a low-calorie hot chocolate if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth but don’t need any additional protein.
Updated February 2024
Protein Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp unsweet cocoa powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pot and pout on medium heat. (Do not boil. Protein powder will clump if the liquid is more than 140 degrees F)
- Stir consistently while mixture heats thoroughly, about 3 minutes. Scoop out a tiny portion to taste and test heat. Remove from heat and pour into mug. Sip and enjoy.
I use the Carnation Breakfast Drinks mixes. Will that be an okay substitute or not? I’ve never used the Chocolate Whey protein powder. I had the gastric bypass surgery 2 help me lose weight and I’ve lost so much so far and is keeping it off. But lately I’ve been wanting something sweet and I came across ur website and ur recipe 4 chocolate looks so damn good, LOL. I was told that the Whey protein power is grainy. Is that true? Please email me and let me know. Thanks!
@charlotte sure I will email you! I will also respond here in case anyone else is interested in the answer. Because of the carbohydrate count in the Carnation Instant Breakfast Mixes (about 27 grams in a packet) I would not recommend them. Whey protein can be grainy so that’s where brand does matter. I use Unjury protein or Quest protein powders as they mix the best. You do need to avoid warming them over 140F or the protein powder gets clumpy. So you want the water hot, but not boiling either. You can use a basic kitchen thermometer to double check the temp but even after the first time you tend to get the idea of how hot is too hot.
Does the heat not denature the protein?
@Sharyl Fantastic question! I should add a note. As long as you keep the temperature under 140 degrees Fahrenheit it will be okay. You can also check the label of your protein powder.
Great recipe! Tastes great, easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated tools to make it with.
YES!!!! TY!TY!TY!!!
Great recipe! I would maybe put to not boil it in the recipe though because I almost did Lol. Thank you for sharing!
Just want to know if you can make this recipe with plant based protein powder? Because all other protein powders upset my stomach. But I need to get my protein count in it’s a struggle.
Yes, you can! I would double check if the label says what temperature to not exceed for the protein powder. Celebrate vitamins just released a plant based powder! https://celebratevitamins.com/products/celebrate-natural-vegan-shake?variant=41007440396335
It’s just watery….
You could try less water and possbily an oatmilk depending on your program. You might also prefer the ready to go protein hot chocolate packets. They are around $2 a packet but you an find them on Amazon when you search protein hot chocolate.